The Allen Law Firm is thrilled to announce that Shareholder Derrick Walker has been named president-elect for the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA). He will serve next year, for the 2025-2026 term.
Allen & Allen has a strong leadership history within the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. The firm has had more VTLA presidents than any other. In fact, Derrick will serve as Allen & Allen’s 8th president at VTLA. As a natural leader, it comes as no surprise that he was elected to lead the organization. He has chaired every major committee within VTLA and has served on the Executive Council for the past 6 years. Derrick’s passion for civil justice extends to the national level. He is a longstanding member of the Executive Committee for the American Association for Justice (AAJ), and is currently serving as the organization’s budget chair. He recently announced his candidacy for the office of AAJ parliamentarian.
Derrick is also no stranger to recognition within the legal field. In 2022, he was awarded AAJ’s prestigious David S. Shrager President’s Award for his outstanding contributions. Virginia Lawyers Weekly recognized him as a Leader in the Law. Due to his history of stellar case results, he was named a Go-To Lawyer for medical malpractice by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. He’s perennially named to Virginia Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. These are but a sample of the acknowledgments he has received.
“It fills me with great pride to be one step away from leading VTLA. Most people don’t know this, but I started at VTLA before I even became a lawyer. During law school, I interned for Mandy Burnett, VTLA’s longtime director of Legislative Affairs. I used to assist her by pulling bills during the legislative sessions. That experience taught me a great deal about the threats to civil justice and the various forms they take,” said Walker.
“It was within VTLA that I began to develop my passion for representing individuals against large corporate interests. Once the fire was lit, I used it to fuel my work in this area. I feel like this opportunity is coming at the right time for me. I am in a really good mindset for leadership. I know this organization through and through—its challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. My ideas are flowing, and I feel as energetic as ever. Additionally, I have tremendous support from my partners, colleagues, and my family. The next couple of years are going to be very exciting.”
Please join us in congratulating Derrick on his well-deserved appointment!
